KUALA LUMPUR: No kidnap for ransom cases have been reported in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESS Zone) since January 15, 2020, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this was a significant record due to various reasons.

“Kidnapping threats are there but according to records since Jan 15, 2020 until today, kidnap for ransom (cases) are nil.

“The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) patrols the area, alongside the presence of motherships and helicopters which displays omnipresence and minimises safety threats,” he said in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 7).

Saifuddin Nasution said the ministry also acquired 60 apartment units at Lahad Datu to ensure the welfare of security personnel’s families.

This was through the RM40mil allocated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the welfare of Esscom officers.

“This allows them to work in a more conducive environment,” he said.

He also said the renaming of the dusk-to-dawn Sabah sea curfew to the ESS Zone movement control order also saw the number of tourists from Europe and China showing a promising increase.

“This is very positive towards the development of the ESS Zone and Sabah economy,” he said.

He was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) query on Saifuddin Nasution’s recent statement that 40 kidnapping cases in Sabah waters were thwarted.

“Sabah is still exposed to piracy, kidnapping, human trafficking and smuggling. We hope the Home Ministry will continue prioritising the safety of Sabah’s waters,” he said.

Earlier, Kiandee had asked about Esscom’s current status and the ministry’s efforts in improving existing assets as well as enforcement measures in tackling any border security issues.

To this, Saifuddin Nasution said some 1.7 million physical checks on people, vehicles and boats were done throughout the ESS Zone as of Aug 31 this year.

This was done through both road and sea checkpoints.

“Of the number, 414 individuals were arrested, 139 vehicles and boats confiscated, and 191 illegal immigrants deported,” he said.

He said Esscom was currently in its 10th year, adding that it was aimed at preventing any potential threats, intrusion or militants entering.

“It also aims to aid security and enforcement teams in tackling cross-border crimes and the entry of illegal immigrants.

“Esscom’s presence allows all government agencies to take a coordinated and organised response,” he said, adding that various operations were carried out involving the army, police and maritime enforcement agencies in the ESS Zone.

Saifuddin Nasution said there were also additional tactical and high-technology assets approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan mid term review rolling plan.

This includes the Malaysian Sea Vessel Tracking System (Swasla) and 30 rigid hull inflatable boat units, among others.

“Security posts will also be increased especially along Manalunan in Kinabatangan and Kuala Maruap in Lahad Datu,” he said.